Plant Library

Description:

An unbranched tree variety with an impressive, large, solitary rosette of smooth green leaves with white teeth, that take on red tones in winter; produces erect, branched racemes of fiery red tubular flowers in mid winter; a fantastic landscape accent

Ornamental Features

Malagasy Tree Aloe features showy racemes of scarlet tubular flowers with white tips rising above the foliage from mid to late winter. It has attractive green foliage with pointy white spines and tinges of chartreuse. The large succulent sword-like leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The mottled tan bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Malagasy Tree Aloe is an evergreen plant with a strong central leader and an upright spreading habit of growth. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Malagasy Tree Aloe is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Malagasy Tree Aloe will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity extending to 12 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Malagasy Tree Aloe is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.